9 Things to Do in Playa del Carmen on a Small Budget

Playa del Carmen Beach is a long expanse of sand divided up by the town’s many beach resorts and clubs. The widest beach here is located in front of Parque Fundadores, which you can recognise from its whimsical ‘Playa del Carmen Arch’. It’s often packed with tourists thanks to its close proximity to Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), and the beach is lined with plenty of beach clubs that rent out sun loungers for a few pesos. You can have some fun at the full-sized volleyball court, or try your hand at kite-surfing and paddleboarding on the Caribbean Sea.

Parque Fundadores is a recreational park overlooking Playa del Carmen’s main beach. It’s one of the town’s most photographed locations thanks to its 16-metre-tall bronze arch, which consists of a man and a woman holding hands. There’s a playground built in the shape of a pirate ship, and a stage that hosts live shows all year round. A must-see is the Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers), which is a Mayan performance featuring acrobatic skills and traditional music.

Explore the streets of Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) on Thursday evening and you’re likely to see colourful works of art on display. Also known as La Galeria de Playa (Jueves), these outdoor art galleries are set along Calle 26 towards Calle 32. From 6.30pm until 11pm, you get to see a variety of paintings and photographs by local artists. On other days, smaller art exhibitions take place nearby the Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall, located 400 metres southwest of La Galeria de Playa.

The Xaman-Ha ruins (or Playacar ruins) are a complex of 3 stone structures dating back to AD1200. This ancient fishing village is where Mayan women departed for Cozumel Island to honour the Goddess Ixchel. Compared to the iconic Chichen Itza and El Rey, Xaman-Ha may seem miniscule but it’s one of the few Mayan sites that’s free to explore. This archaeological site is just a 10-minute walk of Playa del Carmen Beach, but it’s relatively quiet thanks to its jungle surroundings. You may encounter iguanas lounging on the stone structures.

Playacar Beach is part of a gated residential area just outside central Playa del Carmen, with a golf course, all-inclusive resorts, villas, and luxury condominiums overlooking the ocean. Parts of the beach (but not the resort) are open to the public, so you’re bound to find a nice and free spot for swimming, and sunbathing. Playacar is also known for its Mayan site, called Xaman-Ha, which comprises 3 stone structures dating back to AD1200.

A stroll through Centro Playa del Carmen often results in beautiful photos, thanks to the neighbourhood’s extensive collection of street art. The walls of most buildings are decorated with colourful designs by local artists. Some of the best street art in Playa del Carmen runs along Quinta Avenida and towards Punta Esmerelda, which takes about 5 minutes to explore on foot.

Playa Del Carmen’s nightlife scene is mostly concentrated within the trendy Quinta Avenida, with dozens of nightclubs and mezcal bars lining up the streets of Calle 10 and Calle 12. While drinks aren’t exactly wallet-friendly, you can save some cash on cover charges by entering these venues before midnight. Take advantage of ladies’ nights during the week, such as La Chopería on Mondays, Dirty Martini on Thursdays, and Diablito Cha Cha Cha on Fridays and Saturdays

Punta Esmeralda Beach attracts local families looking to swim in its gentle waters, as well as those looking to escape the touristy beaches of Playa del Carmen. This scenic beach features a cenote (natural sinkhole) with freshwater flowing up from an underground river system. The pool is relatively big, but shallow enough for kids to enjoy a dip in. Note that there aren’t any food vendors crowding up the beach, so be sure to pack a picnic when visiting Punta Esmeralda.